Artist Database

Pat Mautloa is recognised as one of the pioneers of modernist painting in South Africa. His central theme is the study of life around him, particularly the street life of Johannesburg around his downtown studio. He works largely in painting, drawing, and printmaking, but often finds inspiration in the creation of new art from the refuse and discarded objects of the city of Johannesburg’s urban culture. These encounters and objects feature in his paintings and sculptures, characteristically depicted with bright colours, incisive abstraction, and fine draughtsmanship. Mautloa has exhibited in a number of solo and group exhibitions and his work is included in numerous public and private art collections. In 2019, he was honoured with the Helgaard Steyn Award for painting, which is presented to artists who exemplify a high level of artistic achievement and innovative leadership over an extended period of time.